Valves are mechanical or electromechanical devices used to control the movement of fluids. They are used in our homes, industrial processing plants and many other applications. Valves of all sorts are expected to see a significant rise in demand as populations grow and usage expands in all sectors. The world is seeing a massive increase in industrialisation in expanding existing operations and establishing new systems. The technology is constantly developing with innovations that demand a focus on changes in the industry.
What Are Valves & How Do They Work?
Valves are used to control the movement of liquids, gases, powders through pipes or tubes or from tanks or other containers. They can control flow, level, pressure, or start or stop the flow. Mechanical or electromechanical valves are used in various applications such as heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and fluid power applications.
The Use of Valves
Valves manage the supply of fluids to homes and businesses. Valves also isolate a section of equipment from the rest of the system. When a valve is closed, no flow occurs; when a valve is open, a flow occurs.
Valves can be operated manually, or by an pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuator. Valves are used in various industries for various reasons. Valves are used for multiple applications from the transportation industry to the construction industry.
If you thought that industrial valves were primarily used in industrial and construction applications, then you were wrong. Many different industries use these valves in their day to day operations for the sake of safety and efficiency. Some of these industries include the Food and Beverage Industries, the Pharmaceutical Industries and the Energy Industries.
List of Top-Rated Valves for the Mechanical and Engineering Industries
Globe Valves: Globe Valves are used to stop, start, and control fluid flow. Unlike the perpendicular seating in gate valves, globe valve seating is parallel to the line of flow. All contact between seat and disc ends when flow begins. This provides the valve with effective throttling ability for flow regulation. Reliable shutoff capability is one of the advantages of globe valves that have led to its popularity in systems requiring precision. Unlike the gate valves, globe valves have a shorter stroke. When it comes to modification, these valves feature seats that are easy to resurface and machine. These valves are also available as stop check valves.
Check Valves
A check valve is a small but essential component of your water supply system. It prevents water from returning back into the supply pipes, which could cause contamination in the delivery of safe, potable water. There are various types of check valves available. The most common check valve installed in residential applications is an internal swing type.
Gate Valves
Gate Valves are used in process plants and water systems. They are a linear motion valve used to start or stop fluid flow. In operation, gate valves are either completely open or completely closed. They allow for a minimal pressure drop as the fluid passes through the valve. The internal ‘gate’ or closing mechanism of the valve is removed from the flow when it is fully open, creating no resistance.
Safety/Relief Valves
Safety/Relief Valves are designed to safeguard equipment and systems from pressurisation beyond their design limits. These valves are often used on gas appliances, gas cylinders, boilers and pressure vessels. Chemical processing plants, hospitals, or places where flammable liquids or gases are stored or processed are likely to use safety valves. It’s crucial to ensure that these valves are regularly tested and maintained to prevent human injury and property damage.
Air Valves
For a liquid piping system to operate efficiently, it needs to have air and wastewater gases continuously removed. Air valves exist for this purpose. They are used during operation of liquid piping systems to release air or wastewater gases that are admitted or emitted, as and when needed.
Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves are available in various sizes and designs. These valves may be used as water flow control, shutoff or isolation valves in the process industry. They can also act as air dump valves on air compressors and dryers, bleed off valves for hydraulic systems, and more. Unsurprisingly they are popular in HVAC systems as they are ideal for handling heavy usage in airflow systems. Butterfly valves are ideal when you don’t have turbulence in air or fluid flow.
We Can Help You With Any Valve Solution
Several different types of valves are used in a wide variety of situations. These valves all work in different ways, but they do not all do the same things. If you need more information on the valves you currently have or need to find new ones for your workplace, contact us today to find out more information.
